COMMERCIAL LAWYER

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has made a significant contribution to the Liverpool City Region since being created in 2014, and becoming a Mayoral Combined Authority in 2017; and we continue to grow at a rapid rate with further powers expected to be devolved to the Authority in the near future. By using the devolved powers we have, we can make a real and meaningful difference to the lives of the people living, working and visiting the Liverpool City Region. However, with increasing powers comes an increasing demand on the integral enabling services of the Combined Authority, and none less so than on Legal Services. This means we are looking forward to exciting growth within the team to continue to meet the demands of the Combined Authority and the Liverpool City Region, working together to make investments and decisions in areas that have a real impact on our communities, such as transport, employment, culture, digital and housing.

The successful candidate will be responsible for advising upon, drafting and negotiating legal agreements relating to both commercial and procurement matters. The successful candidate will be primarily focused on bus franchising, with scope for other projects to be picked up in line with the demands of the Combined Authority. The role will require daily support to senior officers across the organisation, providing advice and guidance to assist in their decision making.

You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX, ideally with knowledge of bus franchising although this isn’t essential. The post holder should have a strong and solid understanding of contract and/or public procurement law. The post holder will also be required to advise on other projects, including non-transport related workstreams, as may be required. You will be a team player and able to establish trusting relationships with legal colleagues and client officers of the Combined Authority and be able to lead by example. You will have attention to detail and be able to assess legal and commercial risk on the matters you are advising on. Alongside providing legal advice and assistance, you will also be able to provide solutions to ensure the Combined Authority can continue to achieve its aims and priorities in a lawful manner. The candidate will be working closely with client officers in the Organisations and should have strong communication and inter-personal skills, being able to influence and instil confidence in the legal advice provided.

A commitment to personal and professional development is essential, along with experience of drafting legal clauses and legal agreements and strong interpersonal skills.

The Liverpool City Region is world-famous for its history, culture and creativity. A place of firsts, it is the birthplace of modern railways, public health and international trade. Now, our economy is being transformed once again, changing the world through world-leading innovation in health and life sciences, digital and creative, and advanced manufacturing - growing an economy already worth £35 billion a year. The Combined Authority plays a central role in catalysing this innovation-led economy. We are seizing the unique opportunity to use our devolved powers and funding to create wealth and prosperity for all our 1.6 million residents and the whole UK - investing in our economy, people, place, transport and digital infrastructure. Our vision is for the Liverpool City Region to be: The best place to grow up, grow a family, and grow a business - where no-one is left behind.

Staff Benefits include:

• Local Government Pension Scheme contributions between 5.5% and 12.5%
• Generous holiday entitlement of 29 days rising to 34 days after 5 years service, as well as bank holidays and the option to buy 10 additional days
• Free travel around Liverpool City Region with an All-Zone Metro card worth £1,450 per year plus All Zones Off Peak Trio ticket for your spouse or partner
• Flexible and hybrid working
• 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family and Free counselling service
• Automatic enrolment to our Westfield Health Programme
• Corporate discounts at council-owned gyms
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Coaching, mentoring, apprenticeships, and professional qualifications including paid membership fees and even a £1k interest free learning loan for any non-job-related learning

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have declared that they: have a disability, are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, are a member of a reservist or have close family links to a member of the Armed Forces as we are under-represented by people from these communities. To be considered under one of these schemes, you must indicate your eligibility in the relevant section of the application form. In addition, you must clearly demonstrate in your personal statement how you meet all the key essential criteria listed above, and highlight how you meet the remaining essential criteria outlined in the person specification within your CV. Applications that do not include this evidence will not be considered under the guaranteed interview schemes.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Sponsorship: We actively promote diversity and inclusion. This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. We recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position.